Smith on Bednarik Award watch list

FAYETTEVILLE (Univ. of Ark)- Arkansas senior defensive end Chris Smith has been named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, it was announced Monday.

Smith, who also has been recognized on numerous preseason All-SEC teams this summer, started all 12 games in 2012 and was named honorable-mention All-SEC after recording 52 tackles, 13.0 for loss with 9.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and one forced fumble. He and Jadeveon Clowney are the only two returners in the SEC with at least 9.0 sacks last season. Smith's 13.0 tackles for loss ranked seventh on Arkansas' single-season list, and his average of 1.08 tackles for loss per game tied for fifth in the conference.

His average of 0.79 sacks per game ranked fourth in the SEC and 25th in the NCAA. He enters 2013 tied for 12th on UA's career sacks list with 13.0.

The Bednarik Award is presented to college football's defensive player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club. The watch list members were selected by the Maxwell Football Club's selection committee, which analyzes both past performance and future potential. All members of the Maxwell Football Club, FBS sports information directors and head coaches and selected national media members are eligible to vote for the Bednarik Award.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced Oct. 29, with three finalists unveiled Nov. 18. The winner will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala hosted by Harrah's Entertainment Atlantic City on March 7, 2014.